Bodmer praises Mbappe-backed Caen project after academy phone ban

Mathieu Bodmer has praised the long-term vision being developed at Caen by Kylian Mbappe’s family, highlighting Fayza Lamari’s decision to prohibit mobile phones at the club’s training centre as one of its most impressive features.

Bodmer, who has recently returned to his former club after leaving Le Havre, has been appointed Caen’s new sporting director. According to French outlet RMC, his aim is to help the club return to Ligue 2 while establishing a sustainable structure that links the academy with the first team.

The project presented to Bodmer by Caen president Ziad Hamoud and Lamari was a major factor in convincing him to take the job.

“What they are doing with the young players interests me,” Bodmer said. “If you saw what is being invested in education, accommodation and nutrition… Fayza [Lamari] banned mobile phones at the training centre, and that is a wonderful decision. The youngsters talk to each other and live together.”

Bodmer’s comments underline the importance being placed on the academy within the club’s wider rebuilding plans. The former Caen player said the emphasis on the development and daily environment of young players was central to the project he had been shown by the club’s leadership.

He added that he had not yet met Mbappe since taking up his new position, but hoped to send a message to the Real Madrid forward.

“My greatest pleasure would be to tell Kylian: ‘Listen, do not worry about us, we will get it done. Thank you for the money you put in at the beginning. We will try to give you the club back in the cleanest possible shape,’” Bodmer said.

Caen, managed by Gael Clichy, will begin their campaign in the French third division on Friday, when they host Valenciennes in the opening match of the season.

The club’s current project is backed by Mbappe and his family, who acquired around 80% of Caen’s shares through their private investment fund in the summer of 2024.

That takeover placed the club under the ownership of the family of the France international, who began his career in the Caen academy before moving to Monaco. Their plans have focused on rebuilding the club over the long term, with the academy intended to provide the foundation for progress towards the first team and an eventual return to Ligue 2.

Bodmer’s return represents an important part of that strategy. Having previously been associated with Caen, he is now tasked with helping the club recover from its recent difficulties while putting in place the structures required for sustained growth. His first competitive test will come against Valenciennes as Clichy’s side start life in the third tier.